Reader Responses to Values & Voice

I read with sadness the letter to the editor below. The author is seemingly choosing to sever their relationship with Brown. There are so many complex (and some simple) ideas that can divide a family. On page 59 of the same issue, I read a praise for the Open Curriculum. While a Brown student in 1969, I thought Brown had lost its mind. But as most of us know, the Open Curriculum was more than a boost to Brown, it was a blessing to society for the discoveries it launched and still launches. I encourage the writer of VALUES & VOICES to read the BAM article on pages 10 & 11 titled “Pressed into Memory.”  The article states, “We save things that are important to us.” These memories honor “the true deep bonds of friendship and love across campus” (and across time). They demonstrate that Brown is an organism that can withstand historical turmoil. Even digital photos of today fade from notice, but memories can last forever if tended with love and discernment. Ever true.

Brown has very little in common with the place that welcomed me in Fall 1987.

After reading this, I realized Brown currently has very little in common with the place that welcomed me in 1987. I will not lend my time to an institution that has refused to divest from Israel and disingenuously justifies that decision with lofty rhetoric around “principles of academic freedom and free inquiry.” The school I proudly served for several decades as an alumni volunteer has veered too far outside my ethical comfort zone to merit my continued support.